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Iraq War News80 dead as battle rages in Iraq: "More than 80 people were reported dead and 100 wounded in heavy fighting as US and Iraqi troops launched a major assault to retake control of the insurgent stronghold of Samarra north of the capital."

Indonesia Confirms Kidnapping in Iraq: "Jakarta called for the release of two Indonesian women held hostage by Islamic militants in Iraq, expressing hope Friday that the kidnapping was "a mistake" since the government never backed the war. (AP)"

IRAQ: Residents return to Tal Afar: "BAGHDAD, 28 Sep 2004 (IRIN) - Water and electricity have been restored to the former insurgent stronghold of Tal Afar, near the northern city of Mosul, and many residents have returned to their homes, a US military official said on Sunday on condition of anonymity."

American forces bomb site in Fallujah: "American forces bombed a site in the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah early Tuesday where several militants loyal to terror mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi were believed to be holed up, the U.S. military said."

Official: Saudis to raise oil production: "Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, will raise production from 9.5 million barrels a day to 11 million barrels, an Oil Ministry official said Tuesday."

Palestinian police search for CNN producer: "Palestinian police were searching Tuesday for an Israeli Arab producer for CNN who was kidnapped at gunpoint from his van, and the TV network joined journalists' associations in demanding his immediate release."

Insurgents Are Mostly Iraqis, U.S. Military Says: "WASHINGTON â?? The insistence by interim Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi and many U.S. officials that foreign fighters are streaming into Iraq to battle American troops runs counter to the U.S. military's own assessment that the Iraqi insurgency remains primarily a home-grown problem. (Los Angeles Times)"

Abuse, Torture and Rape Reported at Unlisted U.S.-run Prisons in Iraq: "American legal investigators have discovered evidence of abuse, torture and rape throughout the US-run prison system in Iraq. A Michigan legal team meeting with former detainees in Baghdad during an August fact-finding mission gathered evidence supporting claims of prisoner abuse at some 25 US-run detention centers, most of them so far not publicly mentioned as being embroiled in the Iraq torture scandal."

A senior Iraqi judge said today that he had closed a case brought against Ahmad Chalabi, the former exile once backed by the Pentagon, who had been suspected of involvement in a counterfeiting operation.

The judge, Zuhair al-Maliky, said in a telephone interview that he took the action about a week-and-a-half ago because he had decided â??the evidence was not enough to bring the case to trial.â?? If more evidence emerges, he said, the case will be reopened.

The decision also followed conversations between Mr. Chalabiâ??s lawyers and representatives of the Central Bank of Iraq, Judge Maliky said.

Dutch officer pleads innocent to Iraqi's shooting death: "ARNHEM, Netherlands (AP) - A Dutch officer pleaded innocent Monday to charges of negligence and excessive use of force in the fatal shooting of an Iraqi civilian, in the first court martial of a Dutch serviceman operating under British command in southern Iraq."

Two car bombs explode near Fallujah; senior Iraqi commander arrested: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Two car bombs wounded American and Iraqi troops west of the capital Sunday and a few hours later the U.S. military announced the arrest of a senior Iraqi National Guard commander on suspicion of ties to insurgents, underscoring the challenges to building a strong Iraq security service capable of restoring stability."

"We're coming with a mighty force to end the reign of your
oppressors," Bush said, addressing Iraqis who might be
listening from afar. "We are coming to bring you food and
medicine and a better life. And we are coming and we will
not stop, we will not relent until your country is free."
We are very proud of you,Keep your helmet on!

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